David J. Conrad
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The herald of the day now sounds while all around is dark and still. Before the night succumbs to dawn he wakes the trav’ler with his skill.
So let us hear his call and rise with eagerness to greet the dawn. His crowing sounds within our ears and bids all ling’ring sleep be gone.
O Jesus, look on us with love and watch us when we fall or stray; if you but glance we are restored and tears will wash all guilt away.
O shine within our heart and mind and cast the sleep of night away, that gladly we may make your name in song the word to greet the day. (St. Ambrose - 4th century)
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“Come, you all: Enter into the joy of your Lord. You the first and you the last, receive alike your reward. You rich and you poor, dance together. You strong and you weak, celebrate the day. You who have kept the fast, and you who have not kept the fast, rejoice today!” (St. John Chrysostom - 4th to 5th century)
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“Our churches are crowded on the great paschal solemnity. Even they that never think of entering the house of God on any other day of the year make an exception for Easter Sunday, as though they could not resist the power of the great mystery. When their last hour comes, their celebration of Easter may draw down upon them the mercy of their Savior.” (Prosper Guéranger - 19th century)
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“Pass to thy Rendezvous of Light, pangless except for us - who slowly ford the Mystery which thou has leaped across!” (Emily Dickinson - 19th century)
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“Thanks to thee, O God, that I have risen today, to the rising of this life itself. May it be to thine own glory, O God of every gift, and to the glory of my soul likewise.” (An Irish Blessing)